Car scam case: Term of up to 14 years may grow

Hyde Park man, 43, admits to swindle, faces assault charge

6:39 AM,
Nov. 30, 2012

Ernest Canelli

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A Hyde Park man described as a "consummate scam arrest" faces up to 14 years in prison for forging car loan documents for his own profit, but he could be sentenced to even more time.

Ernest Canelli, 43, will be sentenced Jan. 8, after he entered a guilty plea Tuesday to two counts of second-degree forgery in Dutchess County Court, court documents show. The conviction carries a sentence of 42/3 to 14 years behind bars, Senior Assistant District Attorney Ed Whitesell said.

Canelli bought vehicles from local dealerships with loans, forged documents to appear as if the loans were paid, then sold the ...